In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the management and environmental impact of the Cheyenne River Ranch, currently owned by an out-of-state investor. The ranch, historically known as the Lemley Ranch, has a legacy tied to Pete Lemley, a notable figure in South Dakota's history. However, local residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current management, citing reports of inadequate property upkeep and issues with livestock containment, particularly buffalo that have repeatedly escaped due to insufficient fencing.

The discussion also highlighted the proposed hybrid wind and solar energy project by Yarrow Tech, a company with limited experience in the region. Critics pointed out that the company has primarily operated in Puerto Rico and lacks a track record with hybrid systems in the U.S. The potential environmental consequences of the project were a major focus, with concerns about how wind turbines could disrupt local weather patterns and radar operations, particularly affecting the accuracy of tornado and rain detection.

Residents voiced apprehensions about the impact of wind turbines on livestock health, referencing anecdotal evidence of decreased fertility and other health issues in animals near existing wind farms. Additionally, the financial implications of the project were scrutinized, particularly regarding how tax revenues would be allocated to local schools, with fears that the current setup would not provide adequate funding for the New Underwood school system.

The meeting concluded with a call for caution, urging the commission to reconsider approving the conditional use permit for the project, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation of both the management practices of the ranch and the potential environmental impacts of the proposed energy project.